2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,475 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 327 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (232 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1489 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
